Pediatric Trauma Patient

Every day in the United States, 33 children on average will die from an injury, and another 25 thousand will suffer a nonfatal injury. Given this tragically high incidence, anesthesiologists must prepare for the management of traumatic events, regardless of whether one’s routine practice includes pediatrics. The anesthesiologist has the opportunity to add value at multiple points of care: initial assessment and airway management; intraoperative and resuscitative efforts; providing sedation to facilitate diagnostics and procedures; pain management. Advanced trauma life support (ATLS) has devised algorithms and guidelines to simplify and standardize the initial assessment and treatment of the trauma patient. Familiarity with and adherence to these guidelines improves morbidity and mortality outcomes. This chapter will explore the common risks that children face and how to respond when trauma occurs.